A two-day national seminar on the topic, “Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s Vision of Economic Development of India” conducted by School of Economics, is currently taking place at University of Hyderabad, to commemorate the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Ambedkar.
The event which was inaugurated by former Chairman of UGC and present Chairman of ICSSR, eminent economist, Prof. Sukhadeo Thorat, seeks to examine the economic vision of one of the greatest intellectuals of 20th century, Dr. Ambedkar. He went on to deconstruct Dr. Ambedkar’s approach to economic development. Prof. Thorat observed in his speech, “The economic interpretation of caste system has led to imperfect competitions in the market and lead to decrease in the production”. He noted the need for economic growth not only in terms of per capita income, but which also take into consideration areas like women empowerment, proper health and education, proper civic amenities, reduction in malnutrition etc.
The event also saw a key note by Emiretus Professor and former Dean of School of Economics, Prof. G. Nanchariah. “Dr. Ambedkar‘s economic background is less discussed. But he was the one who recognized that caste is one of the major sources of unemployment”, he noted.
The book on the Seminar proceedings was released by Prof. Thorat.
Prof. B P Sanjay, Pro Vice-Chancellor presided while the in-charge Dean of the School of Economics, Prof. Naresh Kumar Sharma gave the welcome. Dr. K Laxminarayana introduced the guests and Dr. G Vijay proposed the vote of thanks.
The second half of the day saw a panel discussion on “Social Discrimination in Higher Educational Institutions: Role of State”. Adv. Prakash Ambedkar, delivered a special lecture on ‘Dr. B.R Ambedkar and Public Finance’ . He is the grandson of Bharat Ratna Dr.B.R. Ambedkar.
The two-day seminar has an array of delegates from prestigious universities and institutions like JNU, ISEC, ICSSR, IGNOU, CSD, CESS, Mount Carmel College (Bengaluru), IIT Kharagpur, TISS, Amrita University, Symbiosis School of Liberal Arts, Dr B R Ambedkar Open University, Amrita School of Business etc presenting a different side of Ambedkarite thinking which will end on 30th August.
-By Donita Jose, Department of Communication